TweetDeck was originally designed as an alternative to the standard browser-based Twitter interface. Over time, TweetDeck has expanded its abilities so that you can also track messages from a wide variety of social networking sites, including Facebook, Foursquare and LinkedIn. In order to get your LinkedIn updates on TweetDeck, you'll need your LinkedIn account information.

Double-click the "TweetDeck" icon to launch the program. When the program window comes up, click the "Settings" button in the upper right corner of the window.

Select "Accounts" from the list on the left side of the TweetDeck Settings window. Click the "Add New Account" button that appears in the window.

Click the "LinkedIn" button to continue. A small window will appear asking for your permission to give TweetDeck access to your LinkedIn account. Enter your LinkedIn email address and password, then click "Ok, I'll Allow It." Enter the text that appears in the CAPTCHA box, then click "Continue." The window will automatically close and you will see your LinkedIn account included with your other TweetDeck accounts.

Click "Save Settings" to close the Settings window.

Click the "+" button at the top of the screen to add a new column to your TweetDeck layout. Click the "LinkedIn" button at the top of the window that appears and then click the "Create Your Column" button. Your LinkedIn updates will appear in this column.

About the Author

Shawn McClain has spent over 15 years as a journalist covering technology, business, culture and the arts. He has published numerous articles in both national and local publications, and online at various websites. He is currently pursuing his master's degree in journalism at Clarion University.